NASA Selects AXIS for Phase A Study

AXIS received $5 million to conduct a 12-month mission concept study. After a detailed evaluation of the study, NASA expects to select one concept in 2026 to proceed with construction, for a launch in 2032. Read more.

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Axis schematic

Advanced X-ray Imaging Satellite

AXIS

Next-generation, high-spatial-resolution X-ray observatory designed to transform our understanding of the universe

What is AXIS?

The Advanced X-ray Imaging Satellite (AXIS) will bring X-ray astronomy back to the forefront of modern mainstream astrophysics, working alongside other major facilities of the 2030s (e.g., JWST, Roman, Rubin, ngVLA, LISA) to address some of the most important questions identified by the Astro2020 Decadal Survey. With a single instrument design, AXIS will offer superb arcsecond-resolution and high-sensitivity imaging in the 0.3–10 keV band. AXIS is an excellent facility for transient science, with a two-hour response time to alerts and onboard rapid transient detection.

 

Why AXIS?

AXIS is a probe for the entire community. The sensitivity and angular resolution of AXIS also enable a broad range of general observer science and 70+% of observing time will be set aside for guest observers.

AXIS answers the big questions posed by the Astro2020 Decadal Survey
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By the Numbers

1 mil+
New sources will be discovered by the AXIS Galactic Plane Survey, such as neutron stars, white dwarfs and stellar mass black holes
20,000+
New active supermassive black holes will be found by the AXIS Extragalactic Surveys
14,000+
Mirror segments make up the AXIS X-ray Mirror Assembly
600+
Scientists and engineers in the AXIS Science Community
9m
Focal length of AXIS (the length of a school bus!)
1.5"
On-axis point spread function

NASA’s Explorers Program brings out some of the most creative ideas for missions that help us reveal the unknown about our universe. Establishing this new line of missions—the largest our Astrophysics program has ever competed—has taken that creativity to new heights. Both of the selected concepts could enable ground-breaking science responsive to the top astrophysics priorities of the decade, develop key technologies for future flagship missions, and offer opportunities for the entire community to use the new observatory, for the benefit of all.

Nicola Fox, Associate Administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington